State agency accidentally puts private info on Web

State agency accidentally puts private info on Web

TALLAHASSEE, Fla./December 5, 2008 - A state agency charged with the task of finding jobs and workers accidentally put the Social Security numbers job seekers on the Internet. About 250,000 Customers of the Agency for Workforce Innovation's One-Stop Career Centers may have had their information posted on the Internet for 19 days in October.

Data from customers between January 2002 and November 2007 was placed on a test server, where people searching the Internet might have been able to find it before another agency noticed the security breach, officials said Thursday.

The information was never posted on a Web site, however, someone could have accessed it while doing an Internet search.

The data was immediately removed and major Internet search engines and providers were notified to make sure it didn't wind up elsewhere on the Web. Law enforcement authorities also were called. Affected customers are also being notified.

The agency handles labor-related functions for the state and its Career Centers help people find jobs and employers find workers.

"We are thoroughly investigating this matter and are making every effort to enhance the security of our computer systems," said agency director Monesia T. Brown.

People also can determine if their information was included in the breach through an agency Web site: http://www.floridajobs.org/security/.

The state attorney general's office is advising those who have been affected to review credit and debit card statements and monitor all transactions. Any unauthorized activity should be reported to the credit card company or bank.